The SIFT method was created by Mike Caulfield. All SIFT information on this page is adapted from his materials with a CC BY 4.0 license.
Investigate
If the generated content includes specific claims, data, or facts, always fact-check them using external sources. Verify the accuracy of the information generated by the AI model.Use trusted fact-checking websites, reference materials, or subject matter experts to validate the claims made in the generated content. Evaluate the quality and relevance of the generated content. Does it align with your expectations and objectives? If you don't have prior information about the generative AI model used or its training data, take steps to gather more information. Research the model's training data sources, the organization behind it, and any available performance metrics. Determine if the AI model has been fine-tuned for a specific domain or task. Models fine-tuned on reliable datasets for specific applications may be more trustworthy.
Library Resources
STOP!
The first move is the simplest. STOP reminds you of two things. First, when you generate content using a generative AI model, take a moment to STOP and assess the quality and credibility of the output.
Second, ask yourself whether you know the model or source of the information. Is this AI model reputable, and has it been trained on reliable data sources?
Consider the reputation of the AI model itself. Is it known for producing accurate and coherent text, or is it prone to generating misleading or nonsensical information
Find Better Resources
Generative AI content has its benefits: it is great for brainstorming some ideas, crafting research questions, identifying keywords for searching, creating a possible outline, etc. However, Generative AI should not be used as a source for research. Generative AI will make information up and will not offer its references or search strategies, so if the generated content offers stats, figures, facts, or analysis be sure to investigate them as outlined in step two. If during your investigation you determine that claims from generated AI content are correct, be sure to use the verified peer reviewed research you found to reinforce these facts and claims rather than the generated AI content claims. Discover a world of verified research and content through the Seneca Libraries!
Review: Peer Reviewed Articles
Trace to the Source
It is very important to get the whole picture and understand the context of which the information and/or media was originally created in. When you trace the claim, quote, or media back to the source, you can see it in it’s original context and get a sense if the version you saw in your generated AI content was accurately presented. Be sure to use your critical thinking and evaluation skills to judge if a piece of information is being misrepresented to support a point
Review: Critical Thinking Readiness
SIFT
Jennifer Peters
Created on September 6, 2023
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Transcript
The SIFT method was created by Mike Caulfield. All SIFT information on this page is adapted from his materials with a CC BY 4.0 license.
Investigate
If the generated content includes specific claims, data, or facts, always fact-check them using external sources. Verify the accuracy of the information generated by the AI model.Use trusted fact-checking websites, reference materials, or subject matter experts to validate the claims made in the generated content. Evaluate the quality and relevance of the generated content. Does it align with your expectations and objectives? If you don't have prior information about the generative AI model used or its training data, take steps to gather more information. Research the model's training data sources, the organization behind it, and any available performance metrics. Determine if the AI model has been fine-tuned for a specific domain or task. Models fine-tuned on reliable datasets for specific applications may be more trustworthy.
Library Resources
STOP!
The first move is the simplest. STOP reminds you of two things. First, when you generate content using a generative AI model, take a moment to STOP and assess the quality and credibility of the output. Second, ask yourself whether you know the model or source of the information. Is this AI model reputable, and has it been trained on reliable data sources? Consider the reputation of the AI model itself. Is it known for producing accurate and coherent text, or is it prone to generating misleading or nonsensical information
Find Better Resources
Generative AI content has its benefits: it is great for brainstorming some ideas, crafting research questions, identifying keywords for searching, creating a possible outline, etc. However, Generative AI should not be used as a source for research. Generative AI will make information up and will not offer its references or search strategies, so if the generated content offers stats, figures, facts, or analysis be sure to investigate them as outlined in step two. If during your investigation you determine that claims from generated AI content are correct, be sure to use the verified peer reviewed research you found to reinforce these facts and claims rather than the generated AI content claims. Discover a world of verified research and content through the Seneca Libraries!
Review: Peer Reviewed Articles
Trace to the Source
It is very important to get the whole picture and understand the context of which the information and/or media was originally created in. When you trace the claim, quote, or media back to the source, you can see it in it’s original context and get a sense if the version you saw in your generated AI content was accurately presented. Be sure to use your critical thinking and evaluation skills to judge if a piece of information is being misrepresented to support a point
Review: Critical Thinking Readiness